LibnGilsMa

I am a 52 year old wife of 31 years, and blessed to be the mother of two wonderful children, a daughter, 22 and a son 18.
My son was recently killed in a senseless shooting on the campus of his chosen college. He was a freshman, six weeks into learning to handle his independence and (long story, won't go there)was shot to death by a campus police officer on 10/6/12 at 1:23 am.
We live in a small city outside Montgomery, AL and have always loved living here. Unfortunately, the transition from moving from "Mayberry" to "the Big City" was a problem for my son, who befriended anyone he came in contact, especially those who looked to be in need of a friend. He trusted the wrong people. My 22 year old daughter is an amazing young woman who is completing her education at ANOTHER state university (in Alabama), and will be the best teacher in the world when she completes her education. My husband of 32years was my date to my Jr and Sr Prom in High School, and my best friend. He is a Godly father and husband, and although we don't always agree, he does his utmost to LISTEN to the Lord and lead our family in the way God would have us to go.
I tell all this because I want Casting Crowns members to know how comforting your songs are to me as I try to deal with the loss of my beautiful son, Gilbert Thomas Collar. He's the one who first played a Casting Crowns c.d. to me, and I've been hooked ever since. On the morning of October 6, at 6:45 am, two uniformed officers rang our doorbell and told us that our beloved son had been "killed in an altercation with a campus police officer". The kid had never been in trouble in his life, and the only time he was ever aggressive was on the football field, baseball field, or on the wrestling mat. At that point I finally knew that I had no power and no control...and into my mind came the lyrics to your song, "Praise you in this Storm". All Casting Crowns music uplifts, teaches and ministers....to many different people and in different ways to each.
I thank the Lord Jesus Christ for the members of Casting Crowns and for the music.